"Vadim,Andrei, Mark, Johnny and young Mark have all agreed new deals with us which is great news," said Sharks director of rugby Steve Diamond. "We've got a happy ship and the guys want to be around and to be an important part of it.

"We're doing well fitness wise, there's a competitive edge to selection which means no-one is secure of their place. We're not into rotation but we are into looking after players so there's a really positive feel about the place and hopefully we can kick on from here"